MDS Coordinators/ RN or LPN Assessment Coordinators

i would like to use this thread to discuss mds tips and answer questions. please post any and all types of questions on mds's from how to ?'s to salary ?'s. i will begin by asking the the following question:

i am getting ready for my february picture date. does anyone have any tips on how to get your case-mix up. i just want hear what other coordinators are doing to prepare.

Well, my question is, are there are any MDS coordinators out there that work in Pediatrics?? I just accepted a position as RAI/MDS coordinator. While I have done MDS before, I haven't coordinated the process or done assessments on children/babies...I shall be attending the 3 day certification next week, but would LOVE any tips, direction or advise from the experts here...I'm interested in the responses to your question also, my previous job was admissions/UR nurse and I know this was a challenge for me, it felt like treading water sometimes. It helped that our LTC was tied to a acute hospital so I had the pick of the crop but the turn over was stressful at times...

Last edit by doobie18 on Jan 20, '07

Jan 20, '07

I personally am not familiar with MDS in the pediatric setting. I have afew questions for you. Do you use the same RAI manual that is published on CMS Website? Do you have to complete & submit MDS at regular intervals for example: Admission, then quarterly. Do pediatric residents qualify for Medicare?

Jan 20, '07

I was just thinking of becoming a MDS/RAI Coordinator. I have also done some when I first became a nurse working on an Extended Care Unit. Who can I get in contact with to take the certification course mentioned by doobie18? Is this an organization or state by state certification process? Thanks....

Jan 20, '07

AANAC is the national organization for assessment coordinators, most states also have local organizations. On the website they have a schedule of when the credentialing courses are being held: http://www.aanac.org/default.asp

Is this an organization or state by state certification process? Thanks....

CMS does not endorse any form of certification or credentialing in the MDS process. Neither does any state. Some employers may require the MDS coordinator to be certified or credentialed. Primarily it is obtained as a personal preference and the convenience provided by certifying organizations in acquiring info related to the MDS, the same info which is posted on the web by CMS.

I personally am not familiar with MDS in the pediatric setting. I have afew questions for you. Do you use the same RAI manual that is published on CMS Website? Do you have to complete & submit MDS at regular intervals for example: Admission, then quarterly. Do pediatric residents qualify for Medicare?

The exact same MDS and RAI instructions are used in the pediatric population. See Section P, Programs, P1A.p

Jan 21, '07

WOW, thats interesting..that peds and geriatrics utilize the same MDS guidelines. I will view the RAI manual with a different perspective now. Well, I am looking for any added tips on how to improve case mix? Anyone have any ideas. I have a thick book of tips and I seem to have hit m ceiling...just wondering if there are any new tips I have not tried

There are only 4 ADLs that sum up the ADL score. Focus on it. Train staff well how to accurately code these areas (most common cause for incorrect RUG assignment). Look at the observation period where resident may have received more help.

Always check the Rehab attendance prior to setting the ARD for Rehab cases. A few added minutes can bring the RUG to the next upper level.

2 or more areas of Rehab Nursing. If you don't have a program in place, start one. Most likely your staff is already providing the services but not getting credit for it because a program is not in place.

see Chapter 6 of the RAI for a more detailed info. Create a "cheat sheet" for quick reference.

If you provided the services, get paid for it!

Jan 25, '07

I also do MDS's in my facility. I am curious as to what other MDS Coordinator's are making. I recently asked for a raise and was laughed at. I make mid LPN wage and have been doing the MDS's for 5 years. Recently the Coordinator quit and I was moved into the position, not exactly by choice. I am now the only one in the facility that does them so I figured, what the hey, I'll ask for a raise. The new management doesn't understand the importance of doing the MDS's or why we even do them. She just knows there's money involved. Help.

I am now the only one in the facility that does them so I figured, what the hey, I'll ask for a raise. The new management doesn't understand the importance of doing the MDS's or why we even do them. She just knows there's money involved. Help.

This is a predicament faced by many MDS coord. Most owners/administrators don't have a clue what the MDS process entails, how the tool facilitates compliance w/ CMS regs and how much money can be lost or gained. All these require skills and thorough knowledge of the MDS. And an MDS coordinator did not learn this skill in the nursing curriculum.

My take --- stay! Politely ask for a raise. If denied, don't throw a tantrum. Patiently master the MDS while you're there. Join a discussion group. Network w/ other coordinators in your area. Seasoned MDS Coordinators are hard to find. Your expertise will become your biggest asset. When another facility advertises, you can demand your worth.

Jan 26, '07

I agree with Talino, stay for now and gain some attributes i.e. improving your case mix, capturing more upper level RUG levels. Take courses and learn as much as you can on how to master your skills as a MDS Coordinator, when you feel you have done all you can....just as Talino said make a move and request your desired salary and prove you deserve it by sharing your attributes. I challenge you now to see what attributes you have already earned...I am sure you have made some strides...

Feb 10, '07

To increase case mix I try to ask every morning in our staff meeting if any of the residents have has any additional services meaning IV, suctioning, O2, or fever and emesis. This has helped many times where I have been able to capture a service that I normally would not have known about unless i reviewed the chart. Our facility also has weekly risk management meetings where we discuss resident who may have had 2 orders and 2 visits, or are having something acute occuring, and we also make therapy referals for med b patients and then can do a quarterly assessment to capture the care provided.
Hope this helps.

Mar 5, '07

To Talinl. Yes CMS may not recognize a credential program, however since I am certified with extensive training, can debate with surveyor why I did what I did on an MDS.
Comfort level there.